About Tirana (Tirane):
Tirana is the capital of Albania and has undergone a tremendous transformation since the fall of communism. Not too long ago you would find the drab, grey buildings so prevalent in communist countries, but today these have been changed to brightly painted buildings, public squares and the streets are crowded with people on bicycles. What makes the city so charming is the fact that is not yet over-run with tourists, so you can actually get to meet some of the residents.
Mount Dajti National Park borders its eastern edge. Sprawling to the west, Tirana slowly gives way to the Adriatic coastal resort city of Durres. On a clear day, visitors can glimpse the sea’s crystal glint during the 3-mile-long gondola trip up to Mount Dajti’s limestone peak.
The population of the Tirana metropolitan area is approximately 800,986, with recent estimates suggesting the city itself has a population of around 526,017.
Its buildings are a mix of styles—including Neo-Renaissance, Stalinist, and Modernist—with a city center layout designed by Di Fausto and Brasini, architects of Italy’s Benito Mussolini period.
There are many Catholic churches in the city, as well as a Catholic university and hospital.
Catholic places of interest in Tirana (Tirane), Albanis:
Church of the Sacred Heart of Christ (Jesuit Church)
Traveling to Tirana, Albania:
To travel to Tirana, Albania, you’ll primarily fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA) from major European hubs or connect from other regions, then take a cheap bus or taxi to the city. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for short stays, but check passport validity (3+ months) and consider overland travel from neighboring countries like Montenegro or Greece via bus or furgon (minivan).